French toast sticks are a popular breakfast choice for many people. Their crisp exterior, soft interior, and sweet cinnamon flavor make them a delicious and satisfying morning treat. While traditional French toast sticks are made using thick slices of Texas toast or brioche, this recipe will show you how to make them using regular bread. This twist on a classic breakfast favorite allows you to enjoy the same flavors and textures with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Gather Your Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
To make cinnamon French toast sticks with regular bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Regular white or whole wheat bread slices
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of milk
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– A pinch of salt
– Cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan
Prepare the Bread
Slice the Bread:
Start by slicing the bread into thick strips, approximately 1 inch wide. You can cut each slice into 3 or 4 sticks, depending on your preference. This will give you the ideal size and shape for French toast sticks.
Toast the Bread:
To ensure that your French toast sticks hold up well during cooking, it’s best to toast the bread slices before dipping them in the egg mixture. Place the sliced bread in a toaster and toast until it turns golden brown on both sides. This will make the sticks sturdier, so they won’t become overly soggy when soaked in the egg mixture.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk the Eggs:
Crack the eggs into a medium-sized bowl and whisk them until they’re well beaten. Whisking the eggs helps to incorporate air and create a light and fluffy texture in the final French toast sticks.
Add the Milk and Flavors:
Pour the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the bowl with the beaten eggs. Whisk everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. The cinnamon will add a warm and comforting flavor to your French toast sticks.
Cook the French Toast Sticks
Preheat the Pan:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. This will ensure that your French toast sticks cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
Grease the Pan:
Spray the pan with cooking spray or melt a small amount of butter to coat the surface. This will prevent the French toast sticks from sticking and give them a nice golden color.
Dip and Coat:
Dip each toasted bread stick into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Allow any excess to drip off before placing it onto the preheated pan.
Cook and Flip:
Arrange the coated bread sticks in the pan, leaving some space between each stick to allow for even cooking. Cook until the underside is golden brown, then flip the sticks over using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking until the other side is also golden brown and the interior is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the French toast sticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving plate. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve your cinnamon French toast sticks with your favorite breakfast accompaniments such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.
Tips for Success
– Use stale bread: If you have bread that is slightly stale or has been sitting out for a day, it will soak up the egg mixture better and result in a firmer texture.
– Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other spices or flavorings to the egg mixture. Nutmeg or pumpkin spice can complement the cinnamon beautifully.
– Opt for a non-stick surface: Using a non-stick pan or griddle will make it easier to flip the French toast sticks without them sticking or falling apart.
– Keep an eye on the heat: Adjust the heat as needed while cooking to ensure that the French toast sticks don’t burn and are cooked evenly.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the French toast sticks in batches if needed, making sure to leave enough space between each stick for proper cooking.
Now that you know how to make cinnamon French toast sticks with regular bread, you can enjoy this delightful breakfast treat anytime you want. The warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla combined with the crispy exterior and soft interior of the sticks will surely make your mornings extra special. So grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite.